US approves $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan

The United States approved $11 billion-worth of arms to Taiwan, Taipei said Thursday, announcing one of the largest weapons packages for the island and prompting an angry backlash from China.

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The Taipei 101 building is seen among residential and commercial buildings in Taipei on December 18, 2025. Washington has approved $11 billion-worth of arms to Taiwan, Taipei said on December 18, announcing one of the largest weapons packages for the island as it seeks to deter a potential Chinese Invasion. AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

(AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE)

While Washington is traditionally Taiwan's biggest arms supplier, remarks by US President Donald Trump raised doubts about his willingness to defend the democratic island.

Taiwan has ramped up its defence spending in the past decade as China has intensified military pressure, but Trump's administration has pushed the island to do more to protect itself.

The arms sale announced on Thursday, which still needs US Congressional approval, would be the second since Trump returned to office in January, after a $330 million sale of parts in November.

The latest, much bigger cache features HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, antitank missiles, drones and other equipment, according to Taipei's foreign ministry.